Abstract:
Background: Anemia among women is the most common micronutrient disorder around the
globe, particularly in Africa. In Ethiopia, this is a moderate public health problem among women
of reproductive age group. However, there are limited studies conducted on the magnitude of
anemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women coming for family planning,
expanded program of immunization, sick baby clinic and other services provision areas, missed
opportunities and absence of guidelines.
Objective: To assess anemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women attending
Olenchity Hospital.
Methods and Materials: A facility based cross sectional study design was used to collect data
from 14th February to March 24th 2018 using pretested structured questionnaire from 405 study
participants. Data collection was done by trained nurses and laboratory technicians. Sample
blood and stool were collected from each participant, to determine their hemoglobin level by
using hematology analyzer machine while intestinal parasitic infections were assessed through
microscopic stool examination. Anthropometric data were collected in addition to socioeconomic
and dietary data. Data entry and analysis were done by using Epi-data version 3.02
and SPSS version 20. To assess associated factors bivariable and multivariable logistic
regression method were used. P-value of < 0.05 was used as cutting points to declare statistically
significant in multivariable model.
Result: Overall magnitude of anemia in this study was [47.4%, 95% CI: (42.7, 52.6)], of which
mild anemia accounts 34.8%, moderate anemia 11.4% and severe anemia 1.2%. Among factors
associated with anemia include: women whose households was mildly food insecure
[AOR=3.561, 95% CI: (1.041, 12.81)], using 3-5 sanitary pad per day during menses
[AOR=1.665, 95% CI: (1.022, 2.713)], Khat Chewing [AOR=4.464, 95% CI: (1.176, 16.944)]
and presence of intestinal parasitic infection [AOR=2.307, 95% CI: (1.454, 3.661)].
Conclusion: This study revealed that the magnitude of anemia among non-pregnant women was
found to be severe public health problem. It is better to consider working on prevention and
control strategies of anemia among non- pregnant women attending hospital.
